This short story is dedicated to all those who dedicate their life to looking after other while putting there life on hold. Knew a girl who at eighteen spent 12 years looking after her paralysed mother as there was no other family member to do it.
(Excuse any grammar, spelling and hindi mistakes.)
Short Story – Majbooriyan
Raise yourself to such heights, oh man, that before writing your fate, the Almighty Himself asks his Creature: tell me What is your Destiny? (Mirza Ghalib)
He curls his fingers around her hair and titled her head back as he nuzzled her neck. She moaned as his lips aroused her senses, as his hand pushed the thin strap of her slip…
"Mommy…" a small voice broke through her reverie. Pushing him away, she slipped her gown on and went towards half-opened door where her 3-year-old daughter stood sucking her thumb.
Picking her up, she turned and mouthed sorry to him before taking her back to her room. Tucking her daughter in the bed, she sat and sang to her in a soft voice while caressing her hair.
Shoving the duvet aside angrily, Jai Walia stood up and dressed, cursing under his breath why he had got involved with her in the first place. The kid always decided to disturb them at an inappropriate time. Dressed he picked up his car keys and left the apartment quietly.
She almost dozed off trying to put her daughter Janya to sleep. Walking back to her bed, she slipped inside the now empty bed and fell asleep.
Next morning Bani got her ready for work. She dropped her daughter off at the day-care first and drove to Walia Industries offices in the heart of the business centre of Mumbai.
Greeting Ruhi at the reception she made her way up to 20th floor and knocking on his door she stepped in.
Jai Walia looked up from his laptop and smiled at seeing her.
She dropped a kiss on his cheek, "Sorry about last night."
Raising his eyebrows, "Bani I told you before quit apologizing, it not something that you can control. You have a child and you need to take care of her."
Detecting irritation in his voice she left the office saying she had to get ready for an early morning meeting. He watched her retreating back, he couldn't help but ogle at her curvy figure clad in tight fitting skirt and red silk blouse.
His mind went back to the first time he had seen her at the company's New Year Party two years ago. She had walked hand in hand with Pushkar dressed in an emerald green long dress with strapless bodice, her hair loose and with just diamond studs in her ear. He'd watched her all night as she and Pushkar mingled with other office employees. Her vivacious smile and the ease at which she interacted with all had definitely had hold on him. He had been tempted to walk up and introduce himself but for some reason, maybe because she was with Pushkar, he'd restrained himself…he did not like to foray into other's personal boundary.
Few discrete inquiries had revealed that she had been working at Walia Ind for 5 years, starting as Financial Analyst and had soon progressed to Tax Specialist. She worked under Adi, his brother-in-law who headed the finance department. She also was single mother, whether the child was Pushkar nobody knew.
When he promoted Ranveer as Project Team leader, Ranveer position as Project manager became available and Bani applied for it. Adi highly recommended her and so was appointed to the position. His first meeting with her at one of the project meeting did not go well. It was her first presentation to him and she had been nervous and had made several mistakes and he being short on patience had blasted her off in front of all present. Surprised that she hadn't flinched when he'd hurled verbal assault at her, but had calmly stood there and taken it on chin as they say.
Adi had been furious with him afterwards…why the hell did you have to get mad at her in front of everybody…you could have called her in your office and had a quiet word. On the other hand Ranveer apologized for him saying it was something that she would have to get used to, as he was same with everyone, regardless of age or title. Bani assured him that she was not upset one bit but was glad she had learnt her lesson not to be so over confident next time.
One evening at a club he'd spied Pushkar with couple of his male buddies. Pushkar had several drink so was in happy mood. Jai bought him a drink and got talking with him. He'd brought up Bani and asked how come she wasn't with him? Pushkar had looked at him queerly and told him Bani was her own mistress and did what she pleased…why would she be him…she wasn't his girlfriend. Plus Bani rarely went out, as she liked to spend with her baby. Jai had pretended to be surprised about the child and asked him if he knew whose child it was. Pushkar had laughed at him, saying he never strayed into someone's private life.
After revelations from Pushkar, Jai would use every opportunity to talk to Bani. She and Ranveer had great rapport but somehow with him she was reserved. Couple of times he'd asked her to join them for lunch but she had refused.
Ranveer had been working on a major project to develop some land in Delhi, he and Jai were scheduled to go there for an initial meeting. Jai asked him to take Bani along, as it would be good exposure for her. Bani had initially refused as she didn't want to leave her baby alone and Jai suggested she bring her along too as the hotel where they would stay had child-care facility. After much hesitance she had agreed.
The two-day trip had gone smoothly. Bani was able to go to conferences without any hassle as her baby had adjusted to the change. Ranveer was taken with Janya, he enjoyed playing with her and secretly Jai had been envious of interaction. Even during the trip Bani had maintained business like manner with him…speaking to him only when needed.
Their flight got delayed from Delhi by two hours and when they landed in Mumbai it was close to ten at night. Jai told Bani he didn't want her to take cab and he would drop her off at her place. Ranveer took a cab home while Jai drove Bani to her apartment. He picked up Janya who had fallen asleep and carried her up. Bani opened the door and putting her bags down, she took Janya from his arms and thanked him. He left bidding her goodnight and told her she didn't have to come into office early the next day.
Two weeks later Bani had walked into the caf near the offices, she had been held up in meeting all morning as was famished now. She hadn't noticed Jai and Adi sitting at one of the table. As she looked around for somewhere to sit, Adi had called her over to join them. Reluctantly Bani had joined them at their table. Bani hadn't finished her lunch and Adi left leaving her alone with Jai. After sitting silently for couple minutes, Jai had asked her bluntly why Bani didn't like him. Taken aback Bani told him nothing of the sort and that he was imagining it…she just liked to be professional in work place. Fine after work come for dinner with me and prove you don't dislike me. Trapped by the words she faint-heartedly agreed, pointing out that she couldn't stay out late because of her child.
He picked her up at 7PM and took her to a restaurant near her apartment. She had slipped on a simple salwar kameez in light blue and hardly worn any make up, but she still received admiring glances from the males. Jai had found that if he talked about Janya, Bani opened up and easily engaged in conversation. He dropped her back at the apartment by 9.
Further invitation to dinner were turned down by her, instead she asked him to have dinner at her apartment, telling him this way she wouldn't have to leave her daughter with baby sitter. Thus he ended up frequently having dinner at her place…admitting to her that he enjoyed her cooking. After Bani spent time bathing her daughter and playing with her before putting her to sleep and Jai sat on the sofa flicking through tv channels. She would make coffee and sit with him talking until he'd drink his coffee and than would hint at him to leave.
Few weeks later Janya was ill and Bani did not come into work for couple of days. Jai rang doorbell on her apartment and a tired looking Bani opened the door. Asking him to come in she asked him to sit down while she went and made sure Janya was sleeping. When she came back she sat back in the sofa and gave a deep sigh. Both sat in silence, frustrated Jai stood up and sat down next to her. He turned her around and kneaded her shoulders telling her to relax when he found her stiffening at his touch. He could tell that she was tired from lack of sleep and asked what was matter with Janya. She told him Janya had bronchitis and been feverish almost all day yesterday until the medicine started working. Turning around she looked at him. His eyes dominated her and she trembled as he moved closer to her. Jai Walia ended up making love to the woman who had been occupying his dreams for the last few weeks. Bani slept with Janya as she wanted to be near her when she woke up and Jai ended up sleeping in her bed.
In his mind what should have been brief fling turned into long tumultuous affair.
Adi popped his head into Jai's office and looking at deep frowns on his face, "Thinking about Bani are we Jai?"
Sitting back he glinted at him, "Why would I be thing about her Adi?"
"No just noticed her coming out of your office," Adi said slyly.
"Spying on me are you now?" Jai drawled.
"Yes, got to keep an eye on you and your neantherdal ways. But seriously Jai, I hope you are not messing around with her." Adi's voice turned serious and gave Jai a cold stare.
"Why you are protective about her, she's a big girl she can look after herself." Jai said nonchalantly
"Don't be fooled by her tough faade, underneath she is has soft vulnerable heart. I meant what I said Jai…don't hurt her."
Adi walked out slamming the door behind him.
Bani looked at the clock and cursing she picked up cellphone and called day care to let them know she would a little late in picking her daughter up.
She shut down her pc, picked up bag and rushed out. Passing Jai's office she opened the door to find him standing near the window. She softly told him, "Jai I am leaving for home," and turned around to leave when she found being pulled inside the office. Jai clicked the lock shut and pulled her into embrace. She tried to pull out saying, "I have to go Jai as is I am late picking up my daughter."
Holding her even tighter he tugged at her blouse saying, "Well I want to finish off where I left off last night." As Bani stepped into the daycare, only Janya was left to be picked up. Janya scowled as Bani held her hand.
Adi knocked on Bani's office door before opening. Entering he smiled and said, "Bani I want you to meet new member of our legal team, Tarun Sablok."
She stood up and extended her hand to Tarun., "Nice to meet you Mr Sablok."
Tarun, shaking her hand, "Please call me Tarun."
Adi, "By the way Bani, he's office is next to Jai and he will be mainly working on legal issues with the projects that you and Ranveer are handling."
She took a deep breath as they left…another gorgeous hunk added to office roster…but to be added to her not available list.
Tarun Sablok had recently arrived from Delhi. He had been working for a prestigious legal firm in Delhi, but after breaking up with his long time girlfriend Pia who didn't want to settle down, he felt a need for change so with his mother he shifted to Mumbai. He thought himself lucky to have landed corporate lawyer position with the Walia Ind, one of top companies in India.
He was looking forward to working with the attractive Bani Dixit…her friendly smile and those deep dark brown eyes…he sure could drown in them.
Over next several days Jai observed Bani and Tarun working closely in her office and taking lunches together. Couple of times Bani had looked up noticed him glaring at them. She had just smiled and looked away…if he had an issue with them working together than that was his problem.
Jai rang the doorbell but no answer, he tried again and waited…where the hell could she be? She seldom went out because of Janya. He left after waiting for few minutes.
As the sound of her cell phone ringing broke through her sleep, she stretched her hand out to the side table and located her phone. Answering her call, "Hello…"
"Where the hell were you?" Jai blasted at her.
Half awake, rubbing her eyes, she replied, "Janya and I went to Tarun's house to meet his mom."
She heard the click as the phone at the other end disconnected. Having lost her sleep now, she lay wondering why he was so upset that he wouldn't even let her explain. It wasn't as if he'd told her he was going to come over and she wasn't going to wait at home for him to turn up. What the heck she liked Tarun and his mum had been so kind and warm...in was a long time since Bani had felt comfortable.
Next day Bani deliberately avoided Jai; she was in no mood to put up with his tantrums. Jai was busy in his office hardly venturing out, as he was busy preparing for his business trip to USA.
Jai left two days later for USA and didn't make an effort to see her before he left. He was still fuming over her going to Tarun's house. Bani was relieved for two weeks she wouldn't have to play hide and seek with Jai. In fact the two weeks breezed by, she had few projects with looming deadlines and also at weekend Tarun had invited her and Janya to spend time at his house and she had gladly accepted. They swam in his private pool, in fact Tarun had taken time to teach Janya to swim and she'd helped his mother with gardening and cooking. On Saturday evening they went to the beach and took long walk, enjoying the hustle bustle around them as people with families splashed about in the water or enjoyed the fast food.
Entering her office Bani noticed a large gift-wrapped box on her desk. Dropping her bag on the chair, she carefully tore at the paper and opened the box. Pushing tissue paper aside, she looked at pale pink dress and lifting it she admired it. It was beautiful pink silk sleeveless dress… the label said Chanel. She held it against her and looked up when, Jai spoke, "Looks great, do you like it?"
Bani had not noticed him standing against the door watching her open the gift. Smiling she exclaimed, "It's beautiful!"
She walked up to him and kissed him on the cheek, "Thanks Jai."
He pushed her inside the office and closed door, grabbing her close, he whispered, "Sorry being such a jackass. I shouldn't have been so uptight about you going out with Tarun."
"Well you are forgiven. Are coming for dinner tonight? I can show off this dress." She tilted her head looking for his answer.
"Right then I'll see at 7," giving her the answer, he left the office.
Bani wore pink dress when she served dinner that night. Jai's mind wasn't on the food…he couldn't wait to peel the pink sheath off her.
Bani made a point now to make sure that if she was not going to be at home, Jai knew so he wouldn't waste time turning up at her apartment. Jai would get annoyed whenever she spent time with Tarun, but he knew that he stop her seeing that their relationship was not based on any commitments…he was scared of making any sort of commitments…he didn't want complications if things didn't work out…it's easier to walk away.
Mrs Sablok looked at the young woman sat her daughter in her house. She would have been perfect for Tarun only if she didn't have the child. Tarun had warned her mother not to ask Bani anything about her child…he knew how meddlesome she could be. Seeing that Tarun wasn't home yet, she couldn't resist the temptation to ask her, "Bani, can I ask you something, Janya ke pitaaah?"
Bani stiffened up, she knew what was coming, "Aunty Janya meri ek gaalti ka ehsaas hai jisse me yaad karna nahi chati…itna hi janti ke aab Janya meeri zindaagi hai…mujhe sirf eski khusi chahiaye."
Tarun had walked in and caught her last sentence…looked at his mother and walked away.
Adi gave Bani invitation, "My daughter Anu ki shaadi hai and I am inviting you. You must come and bring your daughter too."
Bani looking at the invitaion, "Thank you Adi, I will try to come."
Tarun picked up Bani and Janya on evening of the wedding. It was held at one of best Walia Hotel in Mumbai. Bani wore a light yellow sari with silver and blue embroidery and matching jewellery. She looked elegant and noticed Tarun stealing glances at her as they drove to the hotel. The hall was packed with guests. Tarun and Bani mingled with some of the Walia employees. Bani noticed Jai hanging around Adi with a beautiful woman, who seemed to never leave his side. After the wedding they went up and congratulated the couple and a beaming Adi called them over and introduced them to his family. Dadi asked Bani to take a seat next to her and asked her how long she had worked at Walia Ind and whom she worked for etc. She patted Janya's cheek and said how cute she was.
Jai never made an attempt to come and talk to her and Bani left it at that but several times their eyes locked across the hall.
It's Janya's birthday and she wants to have pizza and than to and see a movie. Bani left work early so that they can get ready before Tarun picks them up. When Tarun had asked Janya what she wanted on her birthday, she had got him to promise to take her to restaurant for pizza and see the movie 'Ta Ra Rum Pum.'
Bani and Janya were ready and waiting when Bani's cellphone rang. She answered; it was Jai saying he wanted to come over. Bani explained to him that they were going out with Tarun for Janya's birthday treat. Jai ended the call not giving Bani opportunity to invite him to come along.
Tomorrow there is a presentation for a prestigious project and Bani has been working a little late. Earlier the team went through the highlights with Jai and he'd asked for some changes. She turned her computer off and picked her bag up when the door opened and Jai walked in.
"Have eaten yet?" he asked.
"No, I'll eat when I get home. Have to pick up Janya first from babysitter." Bani gave him a smile as she went close to him.
Kissing her, he asked, "Come have dinner with me first and than we'll go and pick up Janya."
"I am not sure Jai…" she hesitated, she had felt guilty asking Tarun's mother to look after Janya and didn't to want to leave her longer than necessary…even though Tarun had told her not to worry and Janya could sleep over if she ended up staying really late at work.
"Bani, you'll just be one more hour late picking her up, we will just go to a casual restaurant and have something quick."She took her cell phone and called Tarun's home to let them know that she would be late picking Janya up. They went to a small Indian restaurant near the offices and had quick meal. Dropping her near her car, Jai left.
Bani had just put Janya to sleep when she heard the door opening. Jai walked in carrying a gift box. "Is Janya asleep?" he asked.
"Yes, I just put her to sleep."
Handing her the box, "This is her birthday gift, I didn't get chance to bring it over earlier."
"Thank you."
Jai seemed to be in a talking a mood and sitting in her balcony they spent couple of hours talking. For the first time he did not stay the night.
Pushkar's phone rang and he picked it up to hear his dad's voice.
"Pushkar, do you know where Bani is?" he asked.
"Yes dad, but why do you want to know?"
"Her father's had a stroke and is quite serious. He is asking for her and I thought that may be we should let her know. After all she is the only family left now."
"Which hospital is he in? I will talk to her and let her know. I am not sure if she will come dad as you know what Nishikant uncle did to her." Pushkar replied.
"You just try your best and let me know if she comes." Pushkar's dad ended the call.
Pushkar went to Bani's office and found that she was in middle to meeting her team. He breaks up the meeting letting them know that he will resume it later, he takes Banit o his office.
"What did you break the meeting Pushkar?" she asked as he made sure the door was closed.
"I had a call from my dad today," He stated as he came near her.
"Oh! How is uncle?" Bani asked.
He's fine Bani, but your dad is not," Pushkar said gently.
Thinking worst, Bani turned pale, "What happened?"
"Dad said he's had a stroke and is serious. He is asking for you Bani."
Bani looked at him with tears brimming her eyes.
Pushkar knowing turmoil she was feeling, "Bani I know he hurt you badly, but you should forget what happened and go and see him. There will be no problem getting you some time off. I will go and talk with Adi for you."
He waited for her response. After few minutes, she stood up, "Can you talk to Adi for me."
Bani walked to Jai's office and knocked on the door. She heard him call her in. Jai looked up from his laptop as she walked in.
Standing near the door Bani, "Jai I am going back home today, my dad is seriously ill."
Looking at her eyes, he notices that they are heavy with tears…he walks toward her and touching side of her face, "How long will you be gone for?"
Avoiding looking at him, "I don't know, Pushkar's dad said he's had a stroke."
Whispering, "I have to go," she turns but he holds her hand to stop her.
"Is there anything I can do for you? I can drive you down if you want." he asks.
Shaking her head negatively, she walks out quickly not wanting to cry in front of him.
Adi immediately approved leave for her, asking Pushkar to help her in whatever way they could.
Bani organized her work files and made notes on outstanding issues that needed urgent attention and dropped them off with Pushkar. Puskhar dropped her home and helped her pack and picked Janya up from day care. Telling her to call once she reached Mt Abu he waved her off and than called his dad to let him know.
She walked with trepidation into the hospital room where her father was. He looked so weak and was lying with his eyes closed. She held his hand and whispered, "Dad, its me Bani."
Nishikant slowly opened his eyes to see his only daughter looking at him lovingly. Tears escaped from his eyes. He tried to speak but no words came out. His hands were useless due to paralysis…they felt lifeless to him.
Doctor had explained to Bani at moment her dad was completely paralysed and that may be with therapy he might regain some movement. The part of the brain that control speech had also been affected and so the words that he would speak would not make sense. They would have to wait a few more days to see what other difficulties he had.
Bani sat there for a while just holding his hand and wiping his tears away until he fell asleep. Later in the day she brought Janya to see her grandfather. Janya was initially scared but with Bani explaining to her she became comfortable. Nishikant looked at Janya and could help but have regret at not standing by her daughter when she decided to have a baby outside marriage. He failed his daughter when she needed her support and instead believed the person who had hurt his daughter the most.
Vishal broke off their engagement when Bani got pregnant with their child. He denied having any se***l relation with her and instead accused her of loose character. Vishal had paid for his misdeed though. After breaking off his engagement with Bani to marry a rich socialite. The marriage did not even last six months and two years later he had returned looking for Bani. Nishikant realized than how low Vishal was and threw him out of his house. He fell into depression at the realization of not trusting his own blood.
Bani had been distraught and with no one else in her family to turn to, she had ran crying to Sarla aunty…Pushkar's mum. After pouring her heart out to her, Sarla told her to be brave and that she would help her out. She called Pushkar up in Mumbai and explained Bani's condition. Pushkar told her Mt Abu being a small place Bani could not remain there and to send her to Mumbai and he will help her out. She could stay with him until she got a job and find her a place to stay.
Nishikant made slow recovery. Bani had called Pushkar up few times to let him know the progress, but she had realized that once her father was discharged he was going to need full-care.
Nishikant was discharged after three weeks and Bani organized their home to make as comfortable as possible. She was glad that their old servant Hari chacha was still employed by her dad. She had called up Adi and explained the situation and told him that she was resigning from her position. Adi refused to accept her resignation saying that she could take as much time off as she needed and that she would be able to return work whenever she was ready. Adi also offered her financial help if she needed but Bani declined as she had enough savings for present time.
Pushkar and Taurn came down to see her. Tarun stayed for two days, whilst Pushkar had taken a week off. Tarun admired Bani's for her courage at taking care of her dad. He spent time taking Janya out so that Bani didn't have to worry about neglecting her. Tarun and Janya explored Mt Abu and both fell in love with the natural beauty of the place.
Jai hated to admit to himself but he was missing Bani. When he went away on business trips he never felt this way, as he knew she would be there when went back home. This was different… she had gone away and was not going to come back soon. Adi had told him couple of times to call her or go down and see her but for some reason he had become passive. To try and get his mind off her, he dated several women but ended up comparing them to Bani…they were shallow and more interested in his bank balance. After couple of hours in their company, he couldn't wait to get away from them
When Pushkar came back Jai had gone away on business trip and on his return, he called Pushkar in and asked how Bani was doing and if she needed any additional help. Pushkar explained to Jai, financially Bani did not help…what she needed most was moral support as she did not have any other family member to turn to…taking care of someone who is almost bed ridden was physically and mentally demanding. He suggested Jai should go down and see her when he had some time free.
Bani enrolled Janya at a private school in Mt Abu near her home. She fell into a routine with her dad and Janya…taking her father for his physiotherapy and looking after both him and Janya left little time for Bani to do anything else. At night she fell into bed exhausted and would immediately fall asleep.
Initially she had missed her life in Mumbai…her friends, working at Walia Ind and Jai. Several times she tried to call him but hesitated dialling his number. She had accepted that sooner or later their relationship but she never realized somehow he had touched her heart…somehow in her loneliness she had mixed up her personal wants in his passion. There had been men interested in her but she had kept her self aloof… until she met Jai…the attraction had been more than physical.
After three months of physiotherapy, Nishikant could walk little using walking frame for support. His right arm was useless but had regained some mobility to his left. His loss of speech frustrated him, as he couldn't make himself understood. She would sometimes find him sitting crying silently and would hug him and give him encouragement. She did not want her father falling into depression, as this would slow down his recovery.
It had been blisteringly hot in Mumbai and the cool air of Mt Abu felt wonderful. He could breathe again without choking on the smog filled Mumbai air. On the spur of the moment he had decided to come and see her. No one knew when he left, even Adi…he'd even turned off his cell phone to avoid talking to anyone about the trip. It was dusk when he finally reached his hotel. Checking in he went up to his room to refresh before contemplating what he was going to do.
Making his mind that he would go and see her tomorrow, he had dinner in the hotel restaurant and took a stroll in the gardens before retiring for the night.
Getting directions from the front desk to the area where Bani's house was, he drove taking in the views. He parked his car in front of a small house with neat flower garden. Knocking on the front door, he stood waiting for the door to be opened. Hari chacha opened the door and looked enquiringly at Jai.
"Is Bani home?" he asked.
"She has gone to mandir, you can wait inside as she will be back to soon." Hari chacha stood aside to let him in.
Jai felt uncomfortable going inside so asked if he could wait outside.
Bani had gone to mandir after dropping Janya off to school. As she walked up to her house she noticed someone outside in the garden and as she got closer she was surprised to see Jai.
Jai heard the soft footsteps and turned around to see Bani smiling at him.
"How are you Jai?" she asked softly as she stood in front of him.
He stared at her for few moments, noticing that she looked thinner and her face showing lines of tiredness. He looked away, trying to calm swirling emotions evoked by her. He had forced himself to come down just to prove that he had got over her…but instead she was revoking feelings that he had buried away in some corner of his heart.
She looked into his eyes and he felt as if she was looking for searching for something. She had thought that she would never see him again…yet here he was looking the same as ever…black hair slicked back, strong sensual line of his jaw, cool and professional in his signature black Armani suit. Finally answering her, "I am fine, how's you dad?"
"He is well as can be. Why don't you come in and meet him," she told him and turned and walked inside the house. Jai followed her in and she led him to the sitting area and asked him to wait.
Wheeling her dad in and she introduced Nishikant to Jai. Nishikant extended his hand to Jai in greeting. Jai shook his hand warmly and told him he was pleased to meet him. Hari chacha brought tea and pouring it out, she handed a cup to Jai. Nishikant sat there listening to their general chit chat…he rarely spoke around people that he did not know, not wanting to embarrass himself or Bani. Nishikant indicated he wanted to go back to his room and Bani called Hari chacha to take him back.
They sat in silence for few moments until Bani asked him, "How long are you here for Jai?"
"I have to go back tonight. I made a decision on a spur of a moment… didn't tell any one I was coming here, not even Adi." He looked sheepish as he spoke.
"Do you have time to come out with me? I was thinking of visiting couple of sites while I am here."
"I guess I would be ok, let me just make some arrangements with Hari chaacha to pick Janya up from school."
"Why don't we pick her up on our way back." He suggested as she stood up.
"Ok. Let me just get changed." She walked towards her room to get ready.
Ten minutes later they were driving to the outskirts of the city, to a site that Jai wanted to look. Bani stood by the car as walked around looking at the sites. Mt Abu hadn't developed as rapidly as other cities. But tourism had increased and there was need for good hotels, especially during peak holiday season.
Around 2 PM Jai suggested they have lunch and Bani suggested local restaurant near Lake Nakhi. After lunch they strolled around the lake quietly…both them comfortable in the amicable silence.
They picked Janya up from school and Jai drove them home.
"Thanks for coming out with me, Bani" he spoke as held open the car door for her.
"Are you leaving now?" she asked as she watched Janya run upto the house.
"Yes, I have to get back. Take care of yourself." He leaned forward and kissed her cheek lightly before stepping into the car driving away.
Bani stood teary eyes as the car vanished down the road. She squeezed her eyes tightly as tears threatened to fall down…helpless against all her emotions that had bubbled right back on seeing him.
Two years later…Nishikant passed away due to heart attack. Bani coped with the loss as best as she could. Hari chacha had been great support. After sorting out her father's affair she realized that she needed to find work to support herself and Janya as there was not a lot of money left. She also wanted to help Hari chacha as he had been there for her helping in what ever way he could.
She decided she did not want to return to Mumbai…she did not want to deal with memories that she had tried very hard to forget. She decided to go to Delhi and try her luck there. Leaving Janya in Hari chacha's care she took a train to Delhi. Scanning the newspaper for job ads, she applied for several positions and waited to her back from the employers. She was keen on one of the position with a small financial company as audit manager. Couple of the employers called her up for interview including the one for the audit positions.
By the end of week she was offered the audit manager position as well as another one with a larger company. She accepted the audit manager position and returned back home to make arrangement so she and Janya could move to Delhi.
Two weeks later they were settled in a small comfortable apartment had found with adequate bus and train services. Janya had been enrolled in a school nearby.
Mr Mathur her manager was surprised at her ability to pick up the skills so quickly and soon Bani was managing few of the key accounts. Her work was thorough and accurate and she wasn't afraid to speak her mind when occasion arose.
Bani had a meeting with CFO of the DG Inc, one of the larger accounts. They had asked for their last years financial records to be audited as they were going to merger with another company. Ashit Kapoor, CFO was waiting in the conference for Bani to arrive for their 10'oclock meeting. Bani and her assistant walked in sharp on time. Settling themselves around the table, she went through some of the major issues with him, asking if she could have access to some of the files and records needed to clarify the issues.
Ashit suggested she and her assistant work from his offices as it would be easy for her to get whatever she required. It took two weeks for Bani to get the audit completed and a prepare report for presentation on her findings. Ashit made a request to her to come on Monday the following week as the CEO of the company taking them over would be here.
Monday morning Bani and Mr Mathur made their way to DG Inc. They had spent an hour at the office going through the report and presentation and Mr Mathur had complimented Bani on her work. As they waited in the conference room for Ashit and the CEO to arrive, Bani set up her laptop for presentation and put copies of report on the table. Her head was bent when Jai Walia walked in with Ashit, but she sensed him without looking at him. Ashit walked up to her to introduce Jai when Bani looked up and noticed look of utter shock pass over his face.
Extending her hand professionally she spoke, "Nice to meet you Mr Walia."
"You two know each other?" Ashit asked.
Bani answered, "Yes I worked for Mr Walia about three years ago."
"Very good, shall we get the meeting started?" Ashit taking a seat suggested.
Bani made her presentation all the while aware of Jai's eyes on her. She was unnerved but tried to remain cool and focused…she couldn't afford to let Mr Mathur down.
Next they went through the report with questions being thrown at Bani from both Ashit and Jai which she answered successfully. Jai knew her capability but Ashit was very much impressed with her. As they concluded the meeting, Ashit asked her, "How about coming and working for me Bani, I am very impressed with skills. Mr Mathur you are very lucky to have found someone like her."
Feeling embarrassed Bani looked at Mr Mathur and then back at Ashit, "Thanks Ashit, but I am happy working for Mr Mathur."
"Well the job offer will always be open for you," Ashit told her as they stood up to leave.
Outside in the lobby, Jai looked at Bani and asked, "Can I have a word with you Bani before you go?"
Walking away leaving them alone, Mr Mathur told her that he'll wait outside for her.
"Bani, how's your dad?" Jai asked.
"He died two months ago," she replied looking away from him, not letting him see the tears that welled up in her eyes… she missed her father…they had become too dependent on each other during the last few months.
"I am so sorry Bani…Why didn't you call? Why didn't you let me know so I could help you?" He sighed deeply and put his hand on her arm.
She looked up apologetically, "I have to go Jai, Mr Mathur is waiting…may be we can talk some other time."
He stood there watching her walk away briskly. Mr Mathur opened the car door and she stepped in. Bani stared out of the window with her tear filled eyes, a sad smile fell on her face…she had come to Delhi to get on with life, yet here he was again to reopen the memories of their past.
Bani had dozed off on the sofa and was woken up by the constant ringing of the doorbell. Looking at the time on the clock, 9.30 PM, she grumbled who it could be at door at this time of night. She opened the door and looked peeked to see Jai stood outside. Her eyes widened in shock as a mixture of emotions ran through her. Leaving the door open she walked away as he followed her inside.
Turning she asked, "What are you doing here Jai?"
"I thought we could finish our talk Bani." He replied taking a seat on sofa.
She stood where she was, unsure of herself. Jai stood up and pulled her down on the sofa next to him.
Lifting her chin up he looked into her eyes, he couldn't hold himself back as he circled his arms around her and brought her close to him…he hadn't been this close to her since the last time they were together in Mumbai. Her shoulders shook as she cried her heart out. He sat in silence while her tears soaked through his shirt. She shifted slightly and looked up at him, the pain visible in her eyes, "I miss dad so much…" her voice so full of agony.
Rocking her, he whispered close to her ears, soft and comforting, "Shh...Shh…You loved him a lot," and pressed his lips to her forehead.
Finally she withdrew back and brushing tears from her cheeks, "Thank you."
He looked at her tenderly and looked deeply into her eyes and said what he had been meaning to say for ever, "Bani, I love you."
She felt warmth spread through her after hearing his words, she reached up and kissed him softly implying to him all she felt for him but was afraid to put in words.
"I am not going to leave you alone… I am taking you back to Mumbai with me…first thing tomorrow we'll get married."
Bani looked at him intently, "Jai I can't..."
He put his hand over her mouth and cut her off.
"Bani…I am not taking no for an answer. I have made up my mind up and I am willing to listen to any excuses. I want to take care of you and Janya." He pulled her to him and brought his mouth down in a hard kiss and giving her an opportunity to say anything else.
Arjun
Anupamaa
